5 Things to Ensure a Reliable Internet Connection During Peak Usage

t’s so frustrating when it’s your peak leisure time, you want to watch your favourite show or enjoy some music and you start to experience lags or sudden drop-offs in your internet connection, right? Don't worry, we can relate! 

But the good news is that there are some simple and effective things you can do to make sure your internet connection stays with you through thick and thin. Let's get right into it!

Picking the Right Internet Service Provider

Your internet service provider (ISP) plays an important role in determining how reliable your connection will be when usage hits peak! Here are a few ways to do that - 

. Pick ISPs known for their consistent performance and customer satisfaction. 

. Look for providers that offer reliable broadband connections with minimal downtime. 

. Last but not least, read reviews and seek recommendations from friends or family so you can make an informed choice. 

Go for Unlimited WiFi Plans

Unlimited WiFi plans can completely remove the problem of exceeding data limits and fluctuating speeds. So, if you are someone who is frequently streaming, gaming or remote work, you should consider upgrading to an unlimited plan.

Best part? With unlimited data, your internet connection doesn’t run out even during peak usage hours when network congestion is high.

Positioning Your Router Strategically

“Where should we place the router?” At some point, we all have struggled to answer this question. And it’s valid! Because where you place your router can significantly impact your internet connection's stability. Here are some quick tips to do that -

. Your router should be positioned in a central location whether at your home or office.

. It should be away from obstructions such as walls, furniture, or electronic devices that may interfere with the signal.

. Keep the router at eye level.

. Maximising WiFi signal strength

While unlimited WiFi plans and placement of the router can answer how to fix slow internet, there’s one more thing you can do to maximise your benefits. Boosting your WiFi signal strength. 

You can do this by investing in WiFi extenders or mesh WiFi systems that can help you eliminate dead zones and expand coverage throughout your space. This hack makes sure that you have an internet connection that’s stable during peak usage hours. 

Performing Regular Internet Speed Tests

It is easier to keep up than to catch up - a lesson for life and for your internet connection. Keeping tabs on your internet speed is important for identifying potential issues and ensuring optimal performance.

There are plenty of free speed test tools online that can help you measure your connection's download and upload speeds. Use it regularly by staying proactive and conducting regular internet speed tests. This could help you to avoid any issues early on and take appropriate action to resolve them.

Did you know? A significant decrease in speed could indicate underlying issues like network congestion or technical problems that need addressing. Better hurry and get a speed check!

Troubleshooting Slow Internet Issues

We all have those days when despite your best efforts, you might still face the occasional slowdowns or connectivity issues. But guess what? We have a quick fix for this. Troubleshoot!

Knowing how to troubleshoot common internet problems can save you time and frustration. Start by power cycling your router and modem, as this simple step can often resolve temporary glitches. Power cycling is the process of turning off a piece of equipment, such as a computer, server or networking device, and then turning it back on again.

If the issue doesn’t resolve, check for any firmware updates for your router, and make sure your devices are free from any kind of malware or excessive background processes that may be hogging the bandwidth.

Key Takeaways

Overall, we can say that maintaining a reliable internet connection during peak usage hours is achievable if you have the right strategies in place. Here’s a quick recap –

1. Opt for a dependable ISP 

2. Get unlimited WiFi plans

3. Position your router strategically

4. Maximise WiFi signal strength

5. Performing regular speed tests

6. Troubleshooting issues promptly.

By implementing the above six points, you will be able to enjoy seamless online browsing, streaming, gaming, and more, regardless of digital traffic congestion.

FAQ

Why does my internet connection slow down during peak hours?

Your internet connection slows during peak hours because of an increase in the number of people using the network at the same time AKA internet user traffic. This can strain network bandwidth.

Does using a wired instead of WiFi Connection help during congestion?

A wired internet connection is helpful during peak hours because it provides a more stable and faster connection that is unaffected by router placement and other obstructions.

What are some common reasons for network congestion?

Some of the common reasons for network congestion are multiple users streaming, downloading, or gaming at the same time.

Should I restart my router to improve internet speed during rush hours?

Yes, this process is called power cycling. Restarting your router can often improve internet speed during peak times by clearing any temporary glitches such as clearing cache backup etc.

Which ISP provides unlimited WiFi plans? 

You have multiple options for this because many ISPs offer unlimited data plans these days, including Hathway Broadband! Check with them or your local providers to see what plans they have available.

Why is my internet not working?

If your internet is not working, you must check the basics first! Restart your router and modem. Sometimes a simple refresh is all it takes. If that doesn't work, contact your ISP for further assistance.

Why is DNS not working?

DNS translates website names to internet addresses. If it's not working, it possibly means that the DNS of the domain you want to reach is unavailable or your browser cannot connect to the internet. Possible fixes include restarting your router or modem, checking for network issues, updating your browser or changing your DNS settings to a public DNS server like Google DNS.